Very useful replies we have here. Thanks everyone. In addition, I would say giving your birds multivitamin when ever they are stressed will help them to cope with diseases and to maintain normal level of production.

I have just joined the forum, I am preparing for the arrival of my first chickens next week, I haven't decided what type as yet and so far this blog has proved invaluable, thank you I am looking forward to lots of hell and advice once the chickens have arrived !!! Jenny

Jenny jones wrote:I have just joined the forum, I am preparing for the arrival of my first chickens next week, I haven't decided what type as yet and so far this blog has proved invaluable, thank you I am looking forward to lots of hell and advice once the chickens have arrived !!! Jenny

Hi Jenny, and a big welcome to the Forum. We shall be interested to hear what sort of birds you get and what preparations you've already made for them.
And we'll try to make it 'help,' rather than 'hell' for you - chicken keeping is fun!

The information on these thread will be an asset for me (Beginner) as I am about to purchase my first 6 egg layers here in France. I have just completed a fixed coop and run. There are so many questions and these threads have helped.